Which Penguins are so far getting the silent treatment from Jim Rutherford?

Dave Molinari 1 year ago

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has said that upgrading the Penguins’ third and fourth lines will be a priority, but has not said specifically which players from those units he intends to retain or replace.

So far, however, bringing back fourth-line left winger Tanner Glass and frequent linemate Joe Vitale (above) doesn’t appear to be high on his to-do list, if it’s there at all.

Ross Gurney, who represents Glass, said via email today that he had “some preliminary discussions with Jason [Botterill, now the associate GM] a few months ago” but that he has “not spoken with Jim or Jason since [the Penguins’] management/coaching changes.”

Allain Roy, agent for Vitale and defenseman Deryk Engelland, said he has not had contract talks with the Penguins about either of his clients.

They, like Glass, are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents if not re-signed by July 1.

Rutherford is believed to be traveling to Philadelphia, site of the NHL draft this weekend, today.

While there, he is expected to interview at least one coaching candidate, Mike Johnston.

Johnston is coach and general manager of the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League, and was a candidate for the head-coaching job in Vancouver that went to Willie Desjardins last week.